29 / 44
27
MEDALLION SHEILD WINNERS
The final was a repeat of last season’s showpiece,
which RBAI won 13-5.
It was another close affair, and the final scoreline
somewhat flattered RBAI, who were second best
for large periods of the game.
The opening quarter was particularly even, with
neither team able to penetrate the defence.
RBAI outside centre Robin McIlveen eventually
broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when
he weaved through the Wallace defence to dot
down to the left of the uprights. The same player
converted for a 7-0 lead.
The Lisburn school responded immediately with a
try from Dillon Jones. The left wing crossed after a
sweeping backline move, which followed a series
of close drives by the forwards. Captain Conor
Rankin was unable to add the extras.
There were no further scores in the first half as both
defences scrambled effectively. The score at half
time - Wallace HS 5 RBAI 7.
Wallace HS completely dominated the early stages
of the second half and made a number of line
breaks, but were unable to force their way over the
whitewash. Eventually the pressure was rewarded
in the form of a penalty, which Rankin slotted over
with ease to put his side ahead.
The lead was short-lived, however, as McIlveen
notched a penalty of his own to bring the score to
10-8 in RBAI’s favour.
That score seemed to galvanise the Belfast boys
considerably and tighthead prop Reece Anderson
capitalised on good work by his fellow forwards
to crash over from close range. McIlveen again
converted to extend the lead to 17-8.
RBAI scored their third try of the game at the death,
with fullback Simon Jackson, who threatened with
ball in hand all afternoon, finally getting on the
scoresheet. His balanced running evaded several
tackles on his way to touching down in the left
hand corner. McIlveen’s conversion - the last kick
of the game - dropped just short.
The referee’s final whistle sounded to the great
delight of Gavin Monteith and his players, as well
as the large RBAI support in attendance.
Royal Belfast Academical Institution defeated Wallace HS 22-8 at
Kingspan Stadium to clinch the Danske Bank Medallion Shield for
the third consecutive year last Tuesday.
RBAI WIN THIRD SUCCESSIVE
DANSKE BANK MEDALLION SHIELD